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Anonymous writes...

Dear Greg: First off, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. I wonder how many people would continue to promote interest in a project that's no longer providing them with employment, and we are all very appreciative of your comments. RE questions: 1. In MIA it seems Griff and Una were romantically involved in the 40's. Are they still romantically involved? Did Una get together with Leo? I love the British gargs. 2. Do the names of the Japanese gargs (Kai, Yama, Sora) have special meanings in English, and what are they? 3. Do the Illuminati in Gargoyles have any connection to the real historical Bavarian ILluminati of the 1700's? 4. Is there a reason Malibu's arm shield has the Maltese Cross of Germany on it? 5. Would there ever have been a cure for the mutates?
6. WOuld the child of Ophelia and Gabriel have been in the Future Tense series? 7. Someday, when you feel like rambling, Brooklyn and Lex's mates and the fifth member of the Ultra-Pack would be interesting to hear about.
:-) also, if Hudson would ever have found some company... I respect your freedom not to answer any of the above questions, and thank you again for taking the time to talk to us.

Greg responds...

1. Griff and Leo were involved in the 40s, but by the 90s Una and Leo were mates.
2. Yes. Yama means "the Mountain". Gary Sperling told me what all the names mean, but I don't remember the others. Sorry.
3. Sure.
4. Not that I know of.
5. Not really.
6. Probably.
7. You're welcome.

Anonymous writes...

How would I get involved in writing for an animated series? Or any TV series for that meatter.

Greg responds...

First and foremost, you write. Then write some more. Then do a little writing. Read a lot. Write some more. Read some more. Read a lot. Write a lot. Study story structure. Study great literature. Study myth and legends. Joseph Campbell. Listen to how people talk. How they really talk. Learn your craft. Get a kick-ass education. Write. Read. Write.
Get copies of animation (or other television) scripts. Learn the format.
Write spec scripts for shows that you like. Try to use those specs to get an agent. Then your agent can use those specs to get you work. Write more specs. If you can't get an agent, send the specs to production companies that you admire. Don't send a Batman spec to Warner Bros or a Gargoyles to Disney. Legally, they can't risk reading those. But you can send Batman to Disney and Gargoyles to Warners. (I know it sounds weird. There's a real good reason for this, but it's a whole other question, so for now just trust me.) Actually, you shouldn't be writing a Gargoyles spec at all, since that show isn't producing new episodes now. You don't want your spec to come off as yesterday's news. Keep reading. Keep writing. Try writing a pilot script and a short bible for an original series. Try using those to get an agent or work (any work, you need credits on your resume.) Oh, yeah.
PROOFREAD. PROOFREAD. PROOFREAD. Read your own work aloud, you catch more mistakes that way. Read. Write. Write some more. Get used to a lot of rejection. A LOT OF REJECTION.
That's the best advice I can give you except this: writing for television is an extremely difficult career to break into, let alone succeed at; so if you don't really have a PASSION for it, then do something else. You'll need that passion to see you through a lot of dark times. If you can be happy doing anything else, then do that other thing. Otherwise, good luck.

Anonymous writes...

Hi. Wow, this is nifty. But, anyway, here are my questions. 1: How is Sevarius (or Servarius) really spelled? 2: Xanatos is a Greek name, but does it come from Thanatos, the name of the Greek god of death? 3: I just love those names. I discovered on accident that Dracon means snake in Greek, which was neat, and very appropriate. Makes the quote 'honor of a Dracon' even more oxymoronic. Or was the quote 'word of a Dracon'? Oh, well. But on to the question: What does the name Sevarius (or Servarius) mean, or where did it come from? Sevarius sounds Latin, but it's all Greek to me. (Ooh, bad joke. Sorry!) 4: Hmm. Well, I could ask another question, but hmm.. what? Oops, that wasn't the question. But wait, that gives me an idea. Here it is: what question (or questions) would you most like to be asked, and who would ask them? :-) Not very creative of me, I know, but I hope you have fun with that one.I guess that's all. Thanks for taking the
time to answer these questions. And thanks for Gargoyles.
Gargoyles has been a work of art, a real gift to the world. It's inspired many people. I hope someday you can continue it. Good luck!

Greg responds...

1. Sevarius.
2. Yes.
3. Michael Reaves came up with the name "Sevarius". I don't know if it had a meaning to him. Initially, I wasn't sure if I liked the sound of the name. It sounded cliched to me at first, though I was at a loss to explain why. Later, it seemed perfect for the character. I was wrong on that one, so I'm glad I deferred to Michael.
4. Uh.... Sorry. I can't think of anything that hasn't been asked. But I'm sure you guys'll come up with something.

Anonymous writes...

O.k.#1 I was just wondering, if you were going to have more episodes on Elisa and Goliath's relationship? They don't seem to be doing anything lately.#2 Are the recordings (for voices) more fun, or more like work?
Tha's all my questions for now. Thanks!

Greg responds...

1. I've answered this. The short answer is yes. For a longer answer look at the archives for this page.
2. They were (usually) a tremendous amount of fun. The most fun part of the job, frankly. You get to be there as actors bring your characters to life with their voices. I sat second chair to our fantastic voice director Jamie Thomason, so I got to pretend I was helping. Plus most of our actors were a complete joy to work with. Particularly our regulars: Keith, Jeff, Bill, Thom, Ed, Brigitte, Salli, Frank, Marina and Jonathan. Laura San Giacomo, Peter Scolari, Sheena Easton, Jim Cummings, Morgan Shepard, Kath Soucie and John Rhys-Davies were also great fun people to work with and talk to. (Actually, I'm nervous about leaving people out. Most everyone was great.) Anyway, yeah, it was a lot of fun. It WAS also work. Some sessions lasted for hours and could be grueling. But mostly it was a hoot.

Anonymous writes...

Greg, I have greatly enjoyed your work on Gargoyles. Have you worked on other shows or books in the past, and do you have anything in the works for the future.

Greg responds...

The future is hazy. I'll consult Puck later (not that he can be trusted).
As to the past, I've worked on a number of animation projects, most of them as a development executive. These include (in no particular order) Gummi Bears, Duck Tales, Winnie the Pooh, TaleSpin, Rescue Rangers, Duck Tales the Movie, A Goofy Movie, Mighty Ducks, Bonkers, Goof Troop, Darkwing Duck, Aladdin (series), Little Mermaid (series), JEM, Timon & Pumbaa, Schnookums & Meat,
Raw Toonage, Marsupilami, Quack Pack, etc. Some of these I had a lot to do with, others I had almost nothing to do with.
I also worked for DC Comics for some time. The main thing I did was CAPTAIN ATOM. But I worked as a writer or assistant editor on DC Challenge, Tales of the Teen Titans, Justice League of America, Justice League, Justice League International, All Star Squadron, Infinity Inc, Young All Stars, Titans Spotlight, Silverblade, Watchmen, Secret Origins, Millenium, Who's Who, etc.

Anonymous writes...

Hi.#1-WHAT IS BROOKLYN'S MATE? #2-Will Xantos ever go back on his word to betray the gargoyles? Now for the last one. #3-Will Lex ever meet a female gargoyle?

Greg responds...

1. Katana.
2. Xanatos and Goliath will never be totally in synch, but Xanatos no longer desires to be at odds with the gargoyles. That doesn't mean that occasionally they won't wind up at odds.
3. Meet? Sure.

Anonymous writes...

I know I said I wouldn't ask any more until this batch was answered, but I have one last question; who exactly was MacDuff? He was in the credits of "City of Stone," but I never heard his name spoken in the show. So who was he?

Greg responds...

Macduff was Duncan's lieutenant in 1040. He was knocked out by Demona, allowing Macbeth to go one-on-one with Duncan.

Anonymous writes...

Oh, almost forgot, one more question: Where in New York is the Xanatos Enterprises building meant to be located? I've been searching my tapes for a full shot of the city skyline including this building, but I can't find one....

Greg responds...

It's on Central Park South. At least it is in my Manhatten.

Anonymous writes...

I have always wondered why Disney never promoted Gargoyles all that much?
You said it never did that well but I hardly saw anything to promote the show. I just happened to see it one day and was immediately hooked. Any guess as to why Disney seemed to distance themselves from Gargoyles?

Greg responds...

The question you should ask yourself is whether ANY of Disney's animated series from that era of the Disney Afternoon received MORE promotion.
Personally, I don't think so. Other producers complained that they didn't get as much of a push as Gargoyles did.
Now you could argue that Disney didn't promote any of their shows enough.
But keep in mind that promotion costs a LOT of money. It just wasn't money they felt like spending at the time.

Anonymous writes...

Was Elisa's metamorphosis in THE MIRROR just a one-time idea, or something you'd panned on doing more on?

Greg responds...

A one time deal. Elisa's humanity and Goliath's gargoylity make up one of the series prime dynamics. Any permanent alteration of that would have been a betrayal.

Anonymous writes...

1. Hi, Greg. I want to be a animator when I grow up and I was wondering if you have any tips for me ? 2. Will Brooklyn EVER HAVE A MATE ?!

Greg responds...

1. Uh, draw a lot? Seriously, I'm not an artist or animator, so I'm not the guy to ask. But I guess you could try to get into to an art school which has an animation department and a history of industry recruitment.
2. Yes. In my mind, at least.

Anonymous writes...

Intresting Question Greg. Exactly what did Demona do during 1900-1990?

Greg responds...

About 90 years worth of stuff.

Anonymous writes...

This isn't exactly a question. I just wanted to tell you what I heard from a guy who worked on "Touched by an Angel". Anyway, he told me that they sometimes called witers "Co-Producers" because it cost them less (because of the writers guild or somthing). Just thought you'd like to know!

Greg responds...

Thanks.

Anonymous writes...

I've got a *lot* of questions. Hope you have time! 1. Who created the phonix gate? 2. Did you ever intend to do a story where Xanatos goes back to his old tricks? 3. Is Coyote (the fey one) *really* Elisa's ansestor? If so, how far back? 4. Who was the friend of Arthurs who created the Illuminati? 5. Is the Illuminati supposed to be good, or bad, or neither (like the wierd sisters)? 6. Is the Magus *really* dead? 7. Someone asked if halflings were mortal, and you said "Define mortal." Okay, can they be killed? If they can, do they age at all? 8.
Is Puck an illigit. halfling, like in the legends? Thanks for doing this!

Greg responds...

1. I did.
2. In my mind, he never abandoned his old tricks. But some of his goals and priorities have changed a bit.
3. I don't think the show ever even implied that. The Coyote was "joined" to Peter Maza when he danced the part of Coyote in a kachina ceremony.
4. Sorry. Not in the mood today.
5. Depends who you ask.
6. Yes.
7. They can be killed. Or destroyed. They might age very slowly. Hard to tell, since they can alter their forms to suit their vanity.
8. Which legends specifically?

Anonymous writes...

When Elisa kissed Goliath , why was Goliath just staring ? It was VERY romantic though! haskett@juno.com

Greg responds...

She caught him off guard. Then he turned to stone, so there wasn't much time to react.

Anonymous writes...

Who came up with the caped wings idea and who thought of the loin cloths?

Greg responds...

Loin cloths were there from the beginning. No one wanted to see Goliath twisting in the wind, so to speak.
I think Gary Krisel came up with the idea of "cloaking" the wings when they were at rest. I resisted that notion at first, but I soon became a convert.

Anonymous writes...

Why won't you answer some of the questions asked? If there were still a show(sob) I could understand, but it's not like we're ever going to find out the answers, are we?

Greg responds...

Sigh, I've answered this before too. Gargoyles has one good shot at coming back. If and when the live-action movie is completed, interest in the property might be revived and Disney might consider bringing the show back.
If that happens, then I want to have a few surprises left.

Anonymous writes...

Are there plans for any new clans to be discovered like the ones found on Goliath, Elisa, Bronx, and Angela's tour of the world?

Greg responds...

Yes.
(Seems like a good time to remind you guys to check the FAQ for ASK GREG before re-asking old questions. It's fine to reask something I've dodged.
Or to get more specific in your question. But try not to ask the same question over.)

Anonymous writes...

I'm a huge fan of Gargoyles, and I wonder what plans you had for the Owen half of Owen/Puck.

Greg responds...

More of the same, plus more of the different.

Anonymous writes...

Is it a coincidence that all the clans mentioned so far are on islands or in the New World? South America, Japan, Scotland, England, Manhattan, Avalon.

Greg responds...

Islands or the New World? What's the connection between those two?
Guatemala isn't an island. I guess the answer is no, because I don't get the question.

Anonymous writes...

1. Forgive me if this has been asked and answered before: Did you know about Angela's character and who she was from the start (i.e. that Demona and Goliath had a child) or did who she would be come to you later, when you started planning "Avalon"? 2. This may be something Carl Johnson has to answer, but did he use any medieval/Scottish folk tunes or ballads as the basis for any of the music in gargoyles? Thanks.

Greg responds...

1. I knew that one of those eggs from the first episode was a child of Goliath's and Demona's. I didn't give too much thought initially to who that child was. Later, it became clear that she would be a female. A female who was in many ways Demona's opposite (hence the name Angela) but in other ways very much like her mother. The positive side of Demona, so to speak.
2. I'm not sure.

Anonymous writes...

I'm not sure this is a fair question to ask, but here goes anyway: Why was the episode "The Hound Of Ulster" so inaccurate in terms of the original legends -- in which, among other discrepancies, "the Hound of Ulster" was not an actual dog, but a nickname for Cuchullain himself?
Especially considering that one of the writers for that ep was Diane Duane, and I KNOW she knows better than that?

Greg responds...

You seem to know Diane pretty well. What's her excuse? :)
Are you sure that Cuchullain and his "hound" weren't actually combined and confused in the legend? Are you sure our version wasn't the true truth? :) :)
To be honest, I'm not that familiar with the Cuchullain legends, so I didn't double check Diane, Peter and Michael's version. Also I asked for some changes from their early drafts. They told me they had problems with some of the changes, so we compromised. (Or at any rate, we found something that I liked which they didn't object to.) Maybe they compromised too much, I don't know. But I do take full responsibility for what got on the screen.
Ultimately, I was the guy in charge of story, so the buck stops with me. I just wasn't aware we were making serious errors. I'm still not. Where did we go wrong, besides adding a gargoyle beast to the legend (a logical extension in our series)?

Anonymous writes...

One question Greg, you said in answering an earlier question that you wanted to have Elisa and Goliath to have some sort of marriage ceramony, but do you think that the censors or whoever made those kind of decisions would have let you? I would have liked it but some people have a thing with different race marriage I guess.

Greg responds...

I believe I said that we had no censors. And I didn't say "marriage ceremony", I think I said "commitment ceremony". I don't know exactly what I would have done, if I had been given enough episodes to get to this issue.
I have no reason to believe that it would have been even vaguely controversial. But rest assured, when I felt the time was right, Goliath and Elisa would have had some sort of clear moment of commitment. I don't think it would have been a traditional marriage ceremony (not because of censorship, but because that doesn't feel right to me vis-a-vis the two characters), but you'd have gotten the message. Trust me.

Anonymous writes...

1. Which is your favorite character? Mine is Brooklyn. 2. What made you decide that Angela would choose Broadway as her mate. I think that she and Brooklyn would have made a better couple. 3. It seems that Brooklyn is always getting the short end of the stick. First Demona tricks him. He loses Maggie to Talon. He's forced into leadership and then he loses Angela. Why are you doing this to him? 4. I never got to see the third season. Where could I get copies of it?

Greg responds...

1. I've answered this one too. The short answer is Goliath, but they're all my children, and I love them all.
2. I've answered this too, but see below.
3. Faulty assumptions. Who doesn't get the short end of the stick sometimes? Lex? Goliath? Broadway? Demona tricked Brooklyn. Goliath lost his clan and castle. The Pack tried to kill Lex. Broadway shot Elisa accidentally. Bad stuff happens. Particularly to cartoon characters.
Was Brooklyn "forced" into leadership? I suppose you could look at it that way, but don't forget he WANTED it. It's a lot of responibility, but even now, I don't think he'd give up being Goliath's Second-In-Command gladly.
And Brooklyn never lost Maggie or Angela. He never had them. Hell, he never KNEW them. He was in love with their looks, their seeming availability. He had crushes. Broadway, on the other hand, understood Angela inside and out -- her fears, her desires, her moods. He's a more sensitive guy. He sees inside people. Brooklyn doesn't. Or at least he didn't. When Brooklyn does truly fall in love for the first time, he'll know the difference immediately. It will be real, not superficial. It will be lasting.
Gargoyles mate for life. Brooklyn won't be an exception. He just hasn't met the right girl yet.
So when you ask me why I'm "doing" this to him, I don't know how to respond.
Either you go inside the show and realize that this is his life. He has to go through the bad stuff in order to learn enough to appreciate the good. Or you remain outside the show and realize that this is storytelling. We put characters through paces. We challenge them. We watch them overcome odds.
If everyone's lives were always perfect, it would make for boring television.
4. I have no idea. Sorry.

Anonymous writes...

do you ever dream to be a gargoyle as me ???

Greg responds...

Not in the sense you mean.

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