Location Report: Cast Chat with Raymond Thompson

 

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 2:02:58 AM)

Raymond is here and is about to start the chat. Fire away!

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:03:54 AM)
hi everyone

La Chica (Dec 17, 2003 2:04:08 AM)
Hey!

bine (Dec 17, 2003 2:04:12 AM)
hi

EA (Dec 17, 2003 2:04:19 AM)
Hi Mr. Thompson How are you?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:04:28 AM)
good thanks

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:04:41 AM)
Hi raymond

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:05:08 AM)
where is everyone from?

Razputina (Dec 17, 2003 2:05:23 AM)
The Netherlands

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:05:26 AM)
Netherlands

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:05:42 AM)
you’re up early

La Chica (Dec 17, 2003 2:05:52 AM)
Utah, USA. It’s midnight here.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:01 AM)
you’re up late!

bine (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:05 AM)
Do you know “Darmstadt”?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:17 AM)
no is that in germany?

bine (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:26 AM)
yes, it is

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:40 AM)
what series of the tribe is everyone on?

EA (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:51 AM)
s4

Razputina (Dec 17, 2003 2:06:57 AM)
We’e at Serie 2..

La Chica (Dec 17, 2003 2:07:04 AM)
None right now. My parents took away WAM.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:07:33 AM)
what a bummer, are you all still enjoying the tribe?

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:07:38 AM)
Does it sadden you to know that american fans may not get to watch season 5 of the tribe.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:08:26 AM)
I’m sure that WAM will take series 5. They have always been very supportive. Unless you know something I don’t?

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:08:32 AM)
in Norway we’re in s4 and it’s 8 am

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:08:44 AM)
How’s the weather in Norway?

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:08:50 AM)
About when do you think the filming of series 6 will start?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:09:59 AM)
We are currently trying to develop the Tribe movie and are on the 3rd draft of the screenplay. So a lot depends on how that comes together. But we might be able to start Series 6 around May all being well.

bine (Dec 17, 2003 2:10:05 AM)
where are you now?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:10:51 AM)
I am in Brisbane Australia, in the Cloud 9 office. It is 5pm here. Very warm because it is summer. Everyone is dreaming of a white Christmas. But it isn’t going to happen.

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:10:54 AM)
what was the reason that you made the AS foundation? I read that your son had AS?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:12:07 AM)
yes he does. He is 14 years old. I also have elements of the condition. So I wanted to help those with special needs. Especially children. That is why the Cloud 9 Children’s Foundation was established. Good to know you are interested.

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:12:10 AM)
by the way I have AS too

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:12:31 AM)
how old are you? M or F? how are you coping?

NeLLa (Dec 17, 2003 2:12:33 AM)
Hello Raymond! My name is Natalia and I am from Spain. Forgive me if my English is not perfect. I would like to ask to you if you are informed that in Spain the emission of The Tribe has been suspended without giving us any reason, all the fans we are disconcerted, i would be grateful if you could help us to that The Tribe return. Also I would like to know if you think to do a tour in Spain, the fans we will be been charmed knowing the actors. Please help us! Merry christmas for all The Tribe and for you! My friends and I have two web pages of The Tribe and of Beth Allen: www.thetribe.es.vg y www.bethdreams.cjb.net

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:14:13 AM)
Hi Natalia, you speak english better than I speak spanish. I’ll check out the situation in Spain and post something on the bulletin board. Yes there could be a tour of Spain. Again I’ll advise details. Merry Christmas to you as well.

Razputina (Dec 17, 2003 2:14:15 AM)
Which of the five series of The Tribe is your favourite one?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:14:53 AM)
All of them really. But the first one is very special because it established the series. Which one is your favourite?

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:14:55 AM)
i’m 17, and i’m a female. I think I’m coping with it Ok, but it can be frustrating sometimes

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:16:10 AM)
I know the feeling. but hang in there. If you can get through your teenage years, you will be able to cope easier as you get older. Never forget AS is a gift. You can do great things in your life with that gift. You are special.

La Chica (Dec 17, 2003 2:16:11 AM)
Do you have a favorite character, or couple?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:17:02 AM)
I feel like the father of the Tribe in many ways and love all the characters as I would my children. So it is difficult to have a favourite. Even the baddies.

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:17:03 AM)
are you excited about shooting the series in a different country?

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:17:06 AM)
not sure if this is true. or maybe a rumor.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:18:49 AM)
We have expanded into Australia and we will certainly film some series in this country. Including the Tribe. But as a scoop I can tell you that we are also looking at filming the Tribe in Europe to try and keep it fresh for the fans. I will know more in a month or two and Tribe fans will be the first to know via Tribeworld

EA (Dec 17, 2003 2:18:51 AM)
I’m from pa in the states and their nothing but snow

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:19:30 AM)
It must feel very Christmassy. I really miss the snow at Christmas because I spent many years in Canada

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:19:32 AM)
Did you think the tribe would be such a succes and that it would go on for so long?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:20:36 AM)
In many ways I did because I believe it addresses important themes for young people. But you never really know in TV or film what will work. Thanksfor the fans… you guys made it a success

EA (Dec 17, 2003 2:20:38 AM)
Do you think it is bad idea if someone dislexia try acting…if their good at acting but bad at reading?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:22:09 AM)
I have trouble with spelling. True. Even reading my own handwriting. So my advise is to always chase your dreams and it is your right to do whatever you want to do. It might be more difficult if you have a special need. But believe me you can succeed – so go for it

DragonFly (Dec 17, 2003 2:22:12 AM)
do you guys know if seasons 2-now are available to purchase?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:22:44 AM)
Season 2 will be available on DVD in late March

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:22:46 AM)
How’s BOB? He lives with you right?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:23:40 AM)
Bob is jetlagged because he flew in from NZ. But he is coping with the Australian heat and getting used to his new home. Just hope he doesn’t bring in any snakes or spiders!

ebonyfan (Dec 17, 2003 2:23:41 AM)
Who is the olds of the Tribe-Team?

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 2:24:30 AM)
Slight technical problem – Ray will be back in a couple of seconds 😉

tribalfox (Dec 17, 2003 2:25:47 AM)
Hi! How are you? Fine and well, I hope! Anywho…If the States lose WAM, will we be able to still get some of the cast to the States? Sorry, if this is such a heavy question, but I had to ask…I wasn’t able to go to Con (family drama) and I’m kicking myself…Whoops…babbling…hehehe….sorry…^_^

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:26:02 AM)
sorry we got disconnected – back now

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:27:01 AM)
Hi tribalfox yes we will be back in America for another tour – look forward to seeing you then

La Chica (Dec 17, 2003 2:27:03 AM)
Is there anything you can tell us about the new series? (Spoilers, hints, anything? Remember I’m staying up pretty late- help me out!)

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:28:16 AM)
there are some exciting new characters which I think the fans will love. Also some of your old favourites will be back. The series is more like series 1. Not as techno. More about human relationships

NeLLa (Dec 17, 2003 2:28:21 AM)
There is some possibility that Dwayne returns?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:28:31 AM)
might be

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:28:33 AM)
do you miss the cast members that have left the show?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:29:22 AM)
we keep in touch with them. They have become friends – even family. So the hotel califirnia, people might check out but they never leave…

Razputina (Dec 17, 2003 2:29:24 AM)
Is there going to be a (decent…not just only at the airport) tour in the Netherlands (you have more fans (t)here than you know…)?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:30:43 AM)
yes. All the fans are very important to us and I promise that we will try an make the cast available to everyone as mucha s we can in each country. We are starting to visit more and more countries each time, so we will get to you Razputina

Guest (Dec 17, 2003 2:30:44 AM)
Do you now if the actors visit our web pages?

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:31:18 AM)
Thanks. I won’t forget. And it means a lot comming from you, and you know what you’re talking about with your son having it. Beth Allen is my favourite actress in the series and I’m a amber fan so, how is Beth to work with? how is she on the set?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:31:52 AM)
Beth is terrific. Very professional. A lovely human being

NeLLa (Dec 17, 2003 2:31:56 AM)
Might you give a message of spirit to the Spanish fans? We are depressed!

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:33:15 AM)
Please don’t be sad, I have no idea what has happened, maybe the Tribe is just off for Christmas. But I will check it out and let you know in a day or two via Tribeworld. I haven’t heard that the series has been cancelled in Spain. So don’t panic.

ebonyfan (Dec 17, 2003 2:33:16 AM)
do you going to come to Germany again?

EA (Dec 17, 2003 2:33:37 AM)
will cast come back to the dagron con?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:33:38 AM)
yes we will be in Germany again. Probably next spring

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:34:30 AM)
yes I think that we will attend dragoncon each year. As long as we’re invited that is. So hope to see you there.

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:34:31 AM)
i would love it if the tribe could be seen in mexico. do you know if this might be possible in the future?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:35:44 AM)
I hope so. I am attending a television festival in the south of France in April to meet new broadcaster and will try to meet some Mexican broadcasters, so it might be coming your way – I promise I’ll try

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:35:45 AM)
will there be another Tribe tour in Norway and will you come?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:36:52 AM)
I’m coming over to Europe in March and April. As well as other parts of the world. I would love to come to Norway. The Norwegian fans and broadcasters have always been loyal and I would love to meet you all and thenk you for your support.

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:36:53 AM)
Were you at the premiere of the return of the king? and do you know which cast members were there?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:38:00 AM)
Sadly I missed the premiere because I was in Australia. But I think Caleb, Michael and Antonia were at the premiere. I haven’t heard from them, but I know they were planning on trying ot go

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:38:02 AM)
Our spring’s differ, do you mean somewhere in september? (our spring starts in March)

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:38:32 AM)
Sorry. I keep forgetting. I mean by spring – April/May-ish

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 2:38:33 AM)
are you comming to america anytime soon?

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:38:37 AM)
do you have plans to do a tour in california? because atlanta’s to far for me

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:39:33 AM)
We will try to get to California. I will be travelling back and forth to LA a lot to try and bring the Tribe movie together and in fact I will be there in Mid April.

ebonyfan (Dec 17, 2003 2:39:35 AM)
How old was michael by the first series?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:39:48 AM)
14

tribalfox (Dec 17, 2003 2:39:56 AM)
I’m soooo glad to hear that you’ll be back! I’ll be there with bells on! Does the Tribe reach Japan?!?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:40:51 AM)
not yet. two of our other series are shown in Japan. Swiss Family Robinson and a Twist in the Tale. I will be meeting Japanese broadcasters in the festival in France( which is called MIP)

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 2:40:52 AM)
Bill from Tribe Red Dragon Told me to tell you hi for him.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:41:44 AM)
Hi to Bill as well. Can you tell him my robot is well and in my office. Hi also to all Tribe Dragon fans. Thanks for the lovely gift (the robot)

Razputina (Dec 17, 2003 2:41:45 AM)
What do you like to do in your free time?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:42:10 AM)
Compose music. and write scripts. Also spend time with my family

La Chica (Dec 17, 2003 2:42:12 AM)
What is the movie about? I heard it was a back-story. Will it have our beloved Tribe actors in it?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:43:28 AM)
yes the Tribe actors will be in it. It is a backstory. The lead up to the virus. And how cities of children came about.. but lots more as well. I really hope it all comes together. The budget is huge. But it needs to be to tell the full story

Matrix (Dec 17, 2003 2:43:29 AM)
Good morning/evening Mr Thompson! It’s Sara Sehdev here 🙂 You have been an inspiration to thousands of young minds across the world (including me) and I know you have given me my first step into the writing world. So my questions to you are a) who gives me your inspiration and b) who gave you your first opportunity? Hope all is well! Best wishes, Sara xxx

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 2:46:09 AM)
Another technical problem – SO sorry – Ray will be back in a couple of seconds!

Matrix (Dec 17, 2003 2:48:39 AM)
*does a little dance while she waits* Tis too early in the morning, tis.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:48:46 AM)
sorry got disconnected again. – Hi Sara good to hear from you. Walt Disney and John Lennon are my inspiration. My mentor is the great writer John Briely who gave me my start. John won the academy award for Ghandi and aslo wrote movies such as Cry Freedom

Charlie (Dec 17, 2003 2:48:49 AM)
What are the most important things in life for you?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:49:43 AM)
peace in the world. The spirit and natural world as opposed to the material one. My children. My work. Fans who enjoy my work.

ebonyfan (Dec 17, 2003 2:49:44 AM)
will the stars make a concert?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:50:41 AM)
They might do one dya. We have been thinking of trying to put together a band. Maybe a spinoff such as Tribe Sister (the Cassie sisters who are all very talented singers)

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 2:50:42 AM)
will you ever put ellie in something other than pink?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:51:00 AM)
yes

Lisette (Dec 17, 2003 2:51:13 AM)
I have to go now, thanks for answering all my questions, good luck with the movie and tribe6, I love the work you do on it! xxx Lisette

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:51:32 AM)
Thanks Lisette take care

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:51:33 AM)
which are the most used actors/actresses of The Tribe? who have been most in other Cloud 9 productions?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:53:01 AM)
Beth Allen was in Revelations and William Tell. Danny James was in the Enid Blyton Secret Series. Tory. Ryan.were in A Twist in the Tale. Caleb was also in Revelations. We try and use the cast in all our productions because they are all very talented

Guest (Dec 17, 2003 2:53:02 AM)
Have you ever thought about writing themes for each of the characters and letting the actors who play them sing the songs?

NeLLa (Dec 17, 2003 2:53:24 AM)
Do you know if the actors visit the web pages that we do for them?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:54:00 AM)
yes they do. I do as well. Some of you might see that I have signed your guest books. I think the fan websites are terrific

Saar (Dec 17, 2003 2:54:01 AM)
If you could change 1 thing in your live, what would that be..?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:54:33 AM)
that my mother and brother did not die and that I could have them both here with me at Christmas

Guest (Dec 17, 2003 2:54:35 AM)
you make a really good job.

Charlie (Dec 17, 2003 2:54:45 AM)
Can you tell us about any alternate storylines that were considered before the ones used in s2-5 were (leaving out 1 cos it I guess it was an intro)

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:07 AM)
lots really. We try and examine lots of different stories, but often broadcasters want something different. I wanted to make more of the eco-tribe in serie 2 & 3 and they were to play a big part. We only really used Pride

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:08 AM)
was it really you who signed the petition to keep to show tribe 5 on wam

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:18 AM)
yes

Matrix (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:24 AM)
Will you visit my website (part Tribe-based) and sign my guestbook? www.sos.cjb.net

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:37 AM)
I’ll do it right now

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:39 AM)
when will season 6 be started?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:56 AM)
hopefully mid next year

Mel (Dec 17, 2003 2:56:58 AM)
Ray, How does someone as myself get a job as a screen writer

Matrix (Dec 17, 2003 2:57:51 AM)
Cool, thank you! What’s the plan for Series 6 showing in the UK? Has a new broadcaster at last been sorted for us Brits?

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 2:57:52 AM)
Ray will sign your guestbook once he’s off the chat

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:58:39 AM)
write and send your material to everyone and anyone in the industry. including Cloud 9. I have made a note of your name and if you send something I will read it and try and help you get established or at least started

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 2:58:40 AM)
what exactly did happen when beth asked to be back for series three?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 2:59:29 AM)
Beth needed time out for university

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:00:06 AM)
Hi matrix, we’re still trying to get a broadcaster in the UK and I hope to have some news very soon on this

Razputina (Dec 17, 2003 3:00:20 AM)
What do you think is the biggest mistake made in The Tribe? (Maybe the dead of Zoot ;))

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:00:50 AM)
yes. That was my fault I did not realise what an important character he would be

Tribe_Gurl_18 (Dec 17, 2003 3:00:52 AM)
i think that what makes the tribe actors a bit better than some american actors is the fact thatt they seem to be more real and good hearted. do you feel this is true to?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:01:04 AM)
yes

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 3:01:05 AM)
Will you bring over the costume and make up people… I really wanted to meet them, but no luck at dragon con…

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:01:36 AM)
that is a good idea – we has some makeup people in the early tours so will try and arrange for future tours

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 3:01:37 AM)
who decides about the over all costume theams? Like the camo print shared by lex, ryan, and pride?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:03 AM)
I oversee things. But it is the department heads

NeLLa (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:04 AM)
The Spanish fan we do a petition too, for keeping The Tribe on Tele5, do you think that it works?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:14 AM)
yes

Amber_fan (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:15 AM)
a norwegian fan named Lene asked if I could say hi

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:24 AM)
Hi Lene

Mel (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:26 AM)
Ray, I love ya jag with cloud9 number plate on. if u didnt have the Jag What type of car would u love to drive? mine is a Merc Benz SLK320 Convertible (There are 4 in Wellington to count)?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:53 AM)
i’VE JUST BOUGHT A BENTLEY

Mel (Dec 17, 2003 3:02:56 AM)
Thanks Ray by the way i won a phone call with you awhile ago! do i send it to The Studio in the Lower Hutt?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:03:07 AM)
yes

Charlie (Dec 17, 2003 3:03:09 AM)
If there is a tour when plans for series 6 in the UK are undecided, will the cast still come here?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:03:20 AM)
yes

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 3:03:21 AM)
how do you get into costume departments of shows like the tribe… I work in my college one now…

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:04:04 AM)
you need to write to production companies and start anywhere you can – even as a runner. It is not where you start its where you finish

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 3:04:05 AM)
Will the tribe movie be in Theaters or on DVD?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:04:17 AM)
cinemas

Mel (Dec 17, 2003 3:04:22 AM)
I love Bentleys! Sweet only 90c or 40c stamp. that is one of my fav things about living in this beautiful but slightly hot city

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:05:31 AM)
I don’t know what you mean about the stamp. But the Bentley is of course the Rolls Royce Bentley which is a cool car to drive I love it. The craftsmanship.

Guest (Dec 17, 2003 3:05:35 AM)
can you come to the page:http://www.beepworld.de/members20/tribeforever/ it´s a very good The Tribe site (but not my)

Mel (Dec 17, 2003 3:06:06 AM)
Is it true that series 6 might be filmed in Brisbane or Queensland?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:06:26 AM)
possibly but we are also looking at Europe

FionaTRD (Dec 17, 2003 3:06:33 AM)
Why did ebony lose the egyptian look she had? It was in her make up and costume style as well as the accesories… Was there a big reason for it?

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 3:06:42 AM)
Ray will be here for 5 more minutes – please post any other questions you might have in the ubb and Ray will do his best to answer questions when he has a bit of spare time.

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:06:52 AM)
just to try and keep it all fresh

Becky87 (Dec 17, 2003 3:06:53 AM)
Can an actor from Europe get a role in the tribe or only newzealand actors?

Raymond Thompson (Dec 17, 2003 3:07:24 AM)
We have used Matt Robinson for example. It is easier if people are local though

Charlie (Dec 17, 2003 3:07:26 AM)
A couple from my friend – You have a children’ foundation. Are you also interested in the work of other organisations like Amnesty International and WWF for example?

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 3:08:10 AM)
Ray’s computer went down so he will answer the final question through me.

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 3:08:48 AM)
Hi Charlie – We support UNICEF and Barnardos.

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 3:11:49 AM)
Hi Tribeworld. I have to go now. But if you want any questions answered put them on the ubb and I will answer them as soon as I can. But I promise I will answer every one. I would like to prove that I am who I am. So if anyone can email the names of the shows Cloud 9 has produced and include a full phone number then I will phone in the next 10 minutes for a quick chat just so long as you promise to confirm that I was here on the ubb. To the rest of the fans, have a great Christmas and thanks for your support. Look forward to seeing you all on tour and to bringing more shows to you. Love, Ray. Please email your answers to answers@entercloud9.com in the next 10 minutes.

Moderator (Dec 17, 2003 3:12:10 AM)
The chat is now over, thanks for coming!