The writers’ strike may or may not be almost over, depending on which rumor you like. The WGA is meeting this weekend to go over the proposed deal worked out between the WGA negotiators and the AMPTP representatives, and the writers will decide Saturday night if they think it’s worth dropping the strike for. Doesn’t mean the strike is over yet: Joss himself reminded everyone not to relax yet.

However, funds are still needed for people - writers and others in the industry - who have been financially hurt by the strike. The WGA set up the Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund for just that, and you’re welcome to donate to it. Or, you could buy some Strike Swag.

They’ve had shirts available for months, but they recently added something I was glad to see: a WGA strike sign poster (pictured). When I attended the Mutant Enemy Day in front of FOX Studios in December, my one regret (besides completely forgetting to stuff Summer Glau into my carry on bag) was not getting to keep my strike sign. I wanted one, dammit! But we were the organizers, and we wanted to set an example and not swipe anything, so we stacked our signs neatly in the back of their van. Grumble, grumble, grumble…

Well, I’m getting one now, and I didn’t even have to mug a smaller writer to get it! Heavy cardboard, 18″x24″. And proceeds go towards the Industry Support Fund. Or you can buy United Hollywood shirts and caps to help support the soon-to-come new UnitedHollywood.com which sounds seriously cool. “Soon, you’ll be able to create your very own page on U.H. to express yourself and share the industry news that matters to you. We’ll also be adding forums to discuss all aspects of the entertainment business. Writers, actors, below-the-line crew members, musicians, directors, computer programmers and fans will all have places to interact on our site.”

So, this isn’t really a Serenity thing, but it is a “respecting the writers, including and especially Joss” thing, and that’s close enough. And now you can show off your sign and tell the woman you just picked up in a bar that yeah, you were there. It won’t work, but it’s classier than etchings.

Interested in a graphic design job for the movies? Graphic designer Geoffrey Mandel — MFA, graphic designer and IATSE member whose credits include Blades of Glory, Dirt, MI3, Serenity, Spider-Man 2, NCIS, Solaris, Star Trek: Voyager, JAG, Space: Above and Beyond and all-around nice guy – will be teaching an extension course at UCLA in April. Details:

NEW COURSE
Graphic Design for Film and Television
X 481.4AA   Art   4 units   $540
 
Graphic design gives filmed entertainment the look and texture of real life. This course examines the function of the graphic designer as a key member of the art department, as well as the role graphics play in film and television production, including signage, props, set dressing, wardrobe, computer animation, and title design. Genre, script breakdown, clearance and copyright issues, designing for period and science fiction, visual presentation of concepts, and production of signs and props are covered. A studio visit to a working film or television set is a course highlight. Prerequisite: Familiarity with Illustrator and Photoshop.

No Textbook Required

Westwood:  408 1010 Westwood Center
Wednesday ,  7-10pm
April 2 - June 18, 12  mtgs.

From the shape of the box I thought it was a huge Toblerone, but it was almost as good.

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Don’t know if you’ve checked TFAW.com’s list of upcoming Serenity merchandise recently, but there’s a lot of it. Like this mug depicting our favorite ship, which somehow vanishes when hot liquid is added. And a whole pile of T-shirt designs. And the Reaver ship ornament.  The new comic comes out in March, and Dark Horse is upping the merchandise to promote it, so get while the getting is good.

Remember, preordering saves you 20%, so go check out all the stuff yet to come!

I have to apologize, I knew about a fantastic podcast two weeks ago — one that mentions SerenityStuff, in fact — and didn’t mention it. In my defense, I plead overwork, brain rot, and Saracen attack. But you really need to go check it out because it features our very own Whitefall.

Ben Mund, that is, he of the amazing Firefly and Serenity replicas. Light years ahead of most of the replica designers through his attention to detail and personal style, Ben devised his own stuff for years, often featured here and sold through eBay. His work, unofficial though it was, was even admired by Geoff Mandel, graphic designer for Serenity. Ben was later snapped up by QMx to make even better (and licensed) stuff because QMX are not fools.

Ben talked to the Sending a Wave podcast crew for a satisfyingly long time about his inspirations, how he does what he does, and his love for all things versy.

Back when Serenity came out, there was a deal with Pocket Books to release two original Serenity novels. Quite a few authors jumped at the chance and submitted proposals such as Keith R.A. DeCandido (author of the Serenity novelization) and Jamie Chambers and Margaret Weis (creators of the Serenity RPG). Those submissions went into a holding pattern due to Serenity’s lackluster box office and finally sat waiting for Joss’s approval. It was never forthcoming, and the whole idea died.

Steven Brust’s submission, however, was in the form of an entire, completed novel, and it would be a shame not to do something with it…

Brust, author of the popular Dragaeran Series, “Cowboy Feng’s Space Bar and Grille,” and many others, wrote the 55,000-word book because, as he said, ”I couldn’t help myself” and this was the only way he’d get to read one. Since finishing it he has been reading the first chapter at conventions to riotous reactions and now, as promised, after exhausting every possible way of publishing it, he’s posted it online as fanfic.

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In case you missed it, I’ve updated my journal of last weekend’s FX Show in Orlando with Nathan Fillion and lots of other celebs, with descriptions and photos and video.

Yes, video.

Of Nathan.

Being Nathan.

New at Patches ‘N’ Pins: the Alliance flag. 4″x2.55″, perfect for your flight suit, bomber jacket, backpack, ballcap, or baby stroller.

Patches ‘N’ Pins has a massive collection of science-fiction-themed patches and enamel pins, including a large variety of “versy ones. Check ‘em all out at Patches ‘N’ Pins’ Firefly/Serenity page.

Remember the “Sing a Song of Saffron” contest last year? It was won by Marian Call with her wonderful “It was Good For You Too.”

Last year she also released a CD of her work called “Vanilla,” with a special Browncoat edition that included the winning Saffron song along with her other amazing music.

And now QMx has declared her their “QMx Artist of the Month” in their latest Insider newsletter. Way to go Marian! And if you haven’t gotten her CD yet, there’s only about 30 left of the Browncoat version. E-mail her at mariancall@mac.com to get one, and ask about autographs. You can also visit her site at www.mariancall.com, or listen to her music at www.myspace.com/mariancall . And really, you should. She’ll be big soon, and you’ll want to get the CD now before it’s going for hundreds on eBay.

Just announced in QMx’s Insider e-mail newsletter: the Mal Stunt Pistol stand!

You voted for it, you got it. Well, a hundred of you do, anyway, they only had a hundred made. OK, 99 of you do, I ordered one already.

The stand consists of three components: a black lucite base measuring 16.5″ x 4″ and two clear lucite risers - the front one measuring 5.25″ x 2″, the rear one measuring 4″ x 2″. The crystal risers give the pistol a floating effect and ensure that no part of the pistol touches the base. And we’ve add a metal plaque declaring you are the proud owner of the Malcolm Reynolds Stunt Pistol replica, for which this stand was specially designed.

At least so far it’s not mentioned on the site anywhere, the link is in the newsletter. (And, ahem, here.) Best hurry.