DNA ONE - An Indiegogo project to send your DNA into Space.

This week I had quite possibly the most surreal requests yet for an article to appear in the Fifth Dimension blog. I must admit that when this little hobby endeavour of mine began to take off a couple of years ago I hoped that certain things would happen. Ambitions perhaps to be able to pass off my own views about films/TV etc, to deal with other like-minded individuals, to meet and talk to a whole range of creative individuals and possibly even get the chance to communicate with people I admire within the genres. Happily and rather surprisingly, all that as happened. I know, get me. Believe me, I still have to pinch myself.

I will freely admit that the request that I received this week has quite simply surpassed any expectations of what I might ever be asked in regard to this blog. Not only might those who know me be taken aback by the request, they may also be more than a little worried. They may be worried not only for the effect that I may have on the future of humanity on Earth, but also they may worry for the changes that I may inflict on the entire Universe.

Let me explain................

Earlier this week I received an email from a Taiwanese group asking me whether it was possible for me to feature in my blog their brand new Indiegogo Project “DNA ONE” which will be the first in history to send human DNA into outer space. If that wasn't enough, they would also in the process arrange for me to have my very own DNA sent into space too. That's right, my DNA could soon be winging and meandering on its happy way through the Universe with god knows the consequences for what (or who) may be in the way. I kid ye not.

Now I'm fully aware that there are many on this planet who would gladly testify in an open court of law  that having just the one version of me is probably one version too much. The possibility of my genetic make-up wandering around the Universe with the potential of landing on some far off planet or being discovered by some Alien race could just far too much to bear for some. The possibilities of my genetic imprint infesting otherworldly systems could potentially be remarkable in their outcome. After all, I've often thought that it was inevitable matter of time until I became the outright king of the work. Now it seems that even after I depart this mortal Earthly coil, domination and influence on a cosmic level may indeed be mine. 

But as usual I digress.............let me get back on track.

So what is the DNA ONE project?

"DNA ONE is both a genetics project and a space project. For the first time in all of human history, we will launch a capsule containing human DNA (in this case a strand of your hair), and let it travel into outer space."

When is this event going to take place?

"On May 20th, 2015, the rocket will launch into space, the location will be in the US. Since we are now negotiating with 4 private companies, the exact location of the launch pad is not yet known. It will be announced after we select the company."

Just how the hell are you going to get hold of a space rocket thing? They're big and expensive you know!

"We are now in touch with a private space company who specializes in the space cremation business. But instead of sending ashes to the moon, we will send our hair into space, and let it travel forever. Your hair will be placed inside a heavy duty capsule and it will be released from the rocket at an altitude of 200,000 km (after the rocket escapes Earth’s gravity)."

Er, why do you want my hair? It's not exactly in the same plentiful and bountiful supply that it once was!

"Space travel is humanity’s greatest adventure, but the greater the adventure, the more expensive is the price. Since you hair contain your DNA, it is the single light part of your body that we can afford to send to outer space. A single strand of hair that measures 4 inches long will weigh 0.45 grams on the average."

So in other words, my lifetime wish of cosmological immortality a la Emperor Ming is actually within my grasp?!

"Since this is the first project that will put human DNA into outer space, your name will be part of human history.

Secondly, you will be sure that a part of you will still be

in existence even after the Earth and all of the living things have disappeared.

Thirdly, can you imagine 23 years from now, you can say to someone that your hair is now reaching Planet Pluto? 

How cool is that?"

Damn Cool - count me in!!! So what happens now?

" STEP 1: You will be asked to send a strand of your hair to our HQ for processing.

STEP 2: Your DNA will be inserted inside DNA ONE.

STEP 3: DNA ONE will be sent to the private space company, where it will be installed inside the rocket.

STEP 4: Check the weather on launch, if its suitable, Launch will commence, if not,

reschedule the launch date.

STEP 5: Live feed of the launch will be available to all the contributors."

See below to watch the clip of the initial DNA ONE promotion

So I hereby go on record now as stating that I have my piece of hair and all prepared to be very soon to be winging its way to the DNA ONE people. The future of humanity may not exactly be in safe hands when my DNA starts travelling through the cosmos, but it sure is something to put on my blogging CV. And if nothing else, the chance that in countless years time when future races might stumble across my particular DNA and quite naturally want to recreate the individuals that once provided this genetic imprint, is simply too good to miss.

The fact that in an unknown future millennia there could be another me wandering around as only I do should be enough to put the chills into anyone!

BEWARE FUTURE!! BEWARE!!!!

If you are interested in contributing to this quite frankly wondrous venture, then please see the following link for more details: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dna-one

Interview with actress Ellen Dubin.

The very lovely Ellen

My article this week features a talented and gorgeous cult figure in the Sci-Fi world. No, that's not a description of me - though you would of course be forgiven for making that quite understandable assumption.  After all, I have previously been called something of a cult. Well at least I think that's what they said......

It would be safe to say that my previous post featuring an interview with the legend and all-round good egg that is Bill Oberst Jr. was something of a major success. Not only did I manage to successfully include a number of sentences in my writing that were almost correct in both grammar and spelling (I said, almost), but far more importantly in my shallow and superficial world the piece has been incredibly popular in terms of blog views. In fact in just over a week, nearly a thousand views have been recorded, making it the most popular post for quite some time.

Now for a change I'm not deluding myself. I know that the response was partly due to the fan-base that Bill has and also because of the new Sci-fi series that he will soon be appearing in - Starfall. However, my reader knows me well enough by now to realise that of course I'll take success in any way I can find it, even if it is by proxy and by hanging on to the coat tails of others.

The direct feedback to me has also been nice to receive - some of it has even been complimentary. The best one came from a co-star of Bill's from the Starfall series, the very lovely actress Ellen Dubin, who said my piece was wonderful (oh yes she did!)......that was her big mistake. Because not only did I respond back and thank her for her remarks, but I also managed to sit her down and undergo another of the legendary Fifth Dimension interviews in the process. This wasn't as easy a task as you would first think, because I just happened to be a fan of series that she appeared in some years ago, the weird and wonderful Lexx, and to be honest, I quite fancied that pants of her character, the dastardly cannibal queen Giggerota the Wicked.

So not only did I have to act all cool and professional-like (I know, there's a first time for everything) when discussing the questions, I also had to curtail my natural sassy (some may say inappropriate) remarks. For instance, when a talented and gorgeous actress responds to ones requests for photos etc for inclusion in my article and asked quite harmlessly and legitimately whether I wanted more head and body shots - well I had to hold back my usual type of innuendo-ridden response. Blimey, it's difficult being all professional-like.

I do want to say very sincerely that Ellen has been quite wonderfully gracious in her time and efforts in dealing with my questions and requests. In fact, without hopefully sounding overly sycophantic, I would go as far as saying that she has gone far and beyond being helpful in providing time, photo's and information. What a fab gal.

Anyhoo, with any further ado.....here's some bio on the fabulous Ellen Dubin.

The very lovely Ellen again - one cannot have too much of a good thing :-)

Ellen is a Gemini Award nominated actress for her series regular role Jeri Slate in the Leo Award winning supernatural drama THE COLLECTOR (which just aired on Chiller TV in the US and Space in Canada, and has aired in 65 countries), Ellen is also a cult figure in the sci-fi world for playing the wild alien cannibal Giggerota the Wicked in the international cult hit LEXX. She has the distinction of doing all four seasons and playing four different characters in this very popular show. Ellen played the first female Pope in sci-fi history in LEXX. 

She recently wrapped two sci fi pilots  NOBILITY with the legendary Walter Koenig, Doug Jones, Cas Anwar, James Kyson , Christopher Judge, Torri Higginson and Adrienne Wilkinson. The other pilot STARFALL, she worked with Andrew Jackson and Damien Puckler in Reno, Nevada. Both roles are very unique and intriguing!

She also enjoyed working on two recent film roles playing a nerdy shy wallflower in BIG FAT STONE with Academy Award nominated Robert Loggia, Tony Nardi and Margot Kidder which won many awards including Best Picture at the Action on Film Festival in Pasadena and NO DEPOSIT where she played a foul mouthed alcoholic woman opposite Art Hindle, Peter Coyote, Doris Roberts and Eric Roberts.

Her comedy zombie film DEAD BEFORE DAWN 3D with Devon Bostick and Christopher Lloyd opened at the Grauman’s Theater in Los Angeles and across the United States. The zomedy won the Perron Crystal Award for Live Action 3D Film from the prestigious International 3D Stereo Media Summit and Film Festival. DBD was nominated for five Canadian Comedy Awards.

In NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, the multi award winning Sundance Film Festival favorite and one of the most iconic film comedies of all time, Ellen plays the Tupperware-loving mom of Napoleon’s potential prom date.  

Her affinity for the unusual has also lead her to starring roles in THE LISTENER, THE DEAD ZONE, EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT, BLOOD TIES, MUTANT X, A WRINKLE IN TIME and HIGHLANDER: THE RAVEN where she is the only female to have a broad-to-broad broadsword fight in that shows' history.

She is also the go-to-girl for a host of movies on the Lifetime Network. She stars in THE WIVES HE FORGOT opposite Molly Ringwald, LIES AND DECEPTION with Madchen Amick and SECOND CHANCES with Melissa George, all airing now on LIFETIME. Her Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presents/ CBS Emmy nominated movie of the week THE LOIS WILSON story (opposite Winona Ryder) is among her favorites. 

Ellen voiced many characters in Time Magazine’s #1 PC video game of 2012 GUILD WARS 2 and Ultimate Game of the Year ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM. She also was thrilled to lend her voice to DEFENSE GRID:2, WORLD OF WARCRAFT and MURDERED:SOUL SUSPECT.  She is the voice of the highly acclaimed Disneyland attraction THE WORLD OF COLOR and  WORLD OF COLOR:WINTER DREAMS and the new promo trailer for SCREAMRIDE coming out next year.

Ellen is honored to be the spokesperson for the Make A Wish Foundation in Toronto and Central Ontario, volunteers at the Los Angeles Mission.

THE INTERVIEW BIT

Giggy on a slab is fab.....

Q) Ok, first things first, I need to be honest. I was trying to act all cool-like when we first talked about doing an interview, but I distinctly remember the part you played in the fabulous Lexx. What are your memories of playing the very sexy Giggerota the Wicked?

ED) I love how “cool” you acted and am thrilled you remember Giggy The Wicked. I devoured every moment playing that role. It was my first major introduction to the sci fi genre as an actress and what an awesome beginning. It was so satisfying creating a character from the ground up playing a ballsy, no holds barred character. Giggerota said whatever was on her mind and I loved how I was able to toy with everyone and have my way with them. Loved playing the humor of this role. And thanks for noticing that Giggy was “very sexy” – I called myself the sexy comic relief. The gals playing Zev/ Xev (Eva Habermann and Xenia Seeberg) were the true sexy leads. But lots of people got a real rise out of Giggerota’s unique character. I miss Lexx - the fantastic locations Germany, Halifax and Thailand and the wonderful cast and crew. One of the best experiences of my career! 

Q) Did you get to keep the rubber suit?! :-)

ED) Here is a little secret that not too many people know. There were two suits. It was a grotesque brilliant costume design – I wore the skin and head of a man I ate – the head was dangling at the back of the costume! That was the crazy wacky world of Lexx. In one scene, Giggerota emerges like a creature from the Black Lagoon out of the water. Well, the rubber latex was so heavily weighed down with water, it started to crumble and that was the end of suit one. Also the first suit was so heavy and didn’t breathe. That they had to cut slits in the knees and elbows so I could move. The rubber suit added weight to me – it bulked me up by about 15 pounds. So every time people would see me in person, they would say : “Oh, you are much thinner in person”! Also, no one wanted to eat lunch with me, because it smelled of rubber latex. After the water scene, that suit was thrown in the garbage.

The second unitard was much lighter and made of more durable, flexible buckskin suede and was more body hugging. I was able to move more freely in it and everyone ate lunch with me. Smelled much better!

I don’t have the suit. No. But I do have some of the Pope stuff I wore in Season 4. I played the only female Pope in Sci-fi history in a brilliant episode called APOCALEXX NOW.

Being fab on a slab with the inimitable Barry Bostwick

Q) Can you believe it's over 13 years since Lexx finished??!! Why do think it still has much affection for fans ?

ED) Wow, time flies when you are having fun!

Here’s the thing. Even if someone didn’t like LEXX, they would never forget it. It was so different! Plot lines that were so off beat and characters that were unforgettable in a very unusual world.

Lexx was way ahead of it time. So many shows after LEXX used elements from the show. I really believe Paul Donovan who created it was so clever- the storylines appealed to kids because there were some funny characters visually but it had a lot of story lines that had double entendre- it was sexy, intelligent and really wacky. There were lots of references to politics and religion as well.  It was funny, daring, wild and wacky.

Fans loved Giggerota because I was the only recurring character that was in all four seasons and also I would die and come back as another character with the same traits as Giggerota.  How brilliant is that. Fans got a kick out of that. They embraced the weirdness of the show. Brilliant concept!!!  Makes me smile everytime I think of it. Fans love to watch it again and new fans are enjoying discovering it for the first time!

Sr Lieutenant Shingh- ah desperately trying to erase 

her internet search history....

Q) Tell us about the character you play in Starfall?

ED) I love this character on Starfall. I play Sr Lieutenant Shingh- ah. Shingh-ah is of the Selsky race who have been scattered and hunted nearly to extinction. My character is hiding a deep dark secret and will one day be forced to choose between loyalty to her crewmates and her people. The arc of the character is wonderful. That’s all I can say right now!

Q) What, if anything, will set Starfall apart from other Sci-Fi shows? 

ED) John Ellis has created an amazing world for our characters that no one else has every done. Yes we are part of a crew of a space ship called the Ardri Jennet and many wonderful Sci fi shows have their base on a ship but the character’s back stories are so fascinating and so different than any other thing I have seen in this genre. I wish I could be a little more specific but you will have to wait till the pilot to see it. It was shot in Reno, Nevada.

Q) I interviewed your Starfall co-star, Bill Oberst Jr. recently. I know that he comes across as being a nice guy & Gentleman - but you can now dish the dirt. He's a trial to work with isn't he? ;-)

ED) Alas, never got to work with the amazing Bill Oberst Jr, We didn’t have any scenes together. But was a huge fan before. And here is the “dirt” I heard, everyone loved working with him! Ha, no trial, I am sure!! Hope when the show goes, we can have scenes together!

Ellen as as Colonel Theia with Adrienne Wilkinson and Darren Jacobs 

Q) Another Sci-Fi show I know you’re involved in is the upcoming 'Nobility'. I've heard it dubbed “The Office” meets "Firefly", which sounds intriguing. Can you elaborate?

ED) It is a fascinating show. Made even better by this amazing cast. NOBILITY has a lot of comedic elements like “The Office” and “Firefly”.

NOBILITY ‘s crew has faults and quirks especially the characters played by Walter Koenig, James Kyson and Doug Jones. My character Colonel Theia is a very elegant, commanding person who is a member of a very intelligent race called The Eujins. The Eujins come aboard the Nobility s ship to teach human beings some valuable lessons. Again, that is all I can say at this moment! E J de la Pena has created a fascinating new world in this compelling sci fi pilot. Stay tuned!

Q) There are one or two other fellow 'big-hitters' in Nobility, I believe - A certain Mr Walter Koenig (some Star Trek thing), James Kyson (Heroes), Doug Jones (Hellboy) and Christopher Judge (Stargate SG1). Have you shared scenes with any of these guys & what was the experience like?

ED) Ha, this is a sci fi fan’s dream cast!

Sadly, I didn’t work with any of these wonderful men. Not yet, anyway!
I did work with the fabulous Cas Anwar (Assassin’s Creed and the new sci fi show The Expanse) ,Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena: Warrior Princess)  upcoming British actor Darren Jacobs and the wonderful Torri Higginson (Stargate Atlantis). We had great chemistry working together.

I did get to hang with all of them at San Diego Comic Con (except Walter) and they were a blast. Had a great time greeting fans with these awesome quick witted, fun men. Loved doing panels with these guys. The audience at SDCC just ate it up.

One of Ellen's many characters from ELDER SCROLLS V:SKYRIM

 - sent to her by a fan

Q) You've voiced numerous characters in a number of video games, such as GUILD WARS 2 and ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM. How enjoyable is this kind of acting as opposed to 'regular' acting?

 ED) I find voice over acting freeing. It is so rewarding working on these wonderful games. And the best voice over actors are well-rounded well trained actors. Video games are so sophisticated now- fans are very savvy in this genre- that the acting has to be first rate. That is why so many great video game producers hire a lot of us who have strong theater backgrounds- we are able to speak the language, summon up emotions at the drop of the hat and are able to go from comedy to drama in a flash. I also love not being cast for my look or my age. I have a great time creating these unbelievable worlds with just the use of my voice. Special thanks to my LA Voice team at VOX Inc. for encouraging me in this genre. 

Q) I also hear that you're the voice of the Disneyland attraction THE WORLD OF COLOR - how crazy is that? Have you been to it and heard yourself?

ED) I was so thrilled to be the voice of THE WORLD OF COLOR and THE WORLD OF COLOR: WINTER DREAMS. To be a part of Disneyland’s California Adventure Park was such a fabulous coup for me. I loved recording at the spectacular Walt Disney Imagineering Studios in Glendale and to hear the beautiful London Symphony Orchestra and the Nashville Choir complimenting my voice in the finished product, just made my heart sing. Amazing! Have not heard it in person. But have heard snippets of it online that fans have sent to me.  It is one of those spine tingling voiceovers! WOW! Loved being a part of the Disney theme park world. Brings out the kid in me! I am so grateful to Brian Nefsky for casting me. 

Q) Have you ever worked over here in the UK?

ED) I haven’t yet! But I am dying to. I have a wonderful fan base there.

So many astounding shows come out of the UK as well. The UK has an amazing talent pool.  If you have something, let me know. LOL!

Ellen & James Kyson (Heroes) doing their thing at San Diego Comic Con

Q) Aberdeen (my local city in Scotland) is hosting it's very first Comicon in 2015. Do you attend fan conventions? What are your experiences? (We fans can be quite obsessive!)

ED) I LOVE CONS!

Can I say that loud enough? Fan reactions are one of the best reasons to be an actor. When you can make a fan laugh or move a fan by your work, it is so rewarding.

I did a panel this past year at Wondercon and also at San Diego Comic Con and was part of the Nobility booth. I have never seen such a crowd of fanatic fantastic fans in my life.

The costumes, the passion. their dedication to this genre is beyond fabulous!

There is no better fan then the sci fi fan. When someone knows every line of dialogue you have ever said and designs a costume (that can take a year to make from scratch) in the exact image of your character, it is wild and fabulous.
I love it!

I want to come to Aberdeen! This sounds like a good one!

The link link for the Suspense Radio Show

www.bluehoursproductions.com

Q) What does the future hold for Ellen Dubin?

ED) My motto is to enjoy every moment of every day and appreciate the little things in life. I will continue to work on the video game ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE content with my wonderful director Rene Veilleux. 

I just finished an amazing radio show called SUSPENSE for producer John Alsedek and Dana Perry-Hayes which is a throwback to those old style radio programs – Really fun melodramatic meaty material. Hopefully that will air soon. I played opposite my NOBILITY co – star Adrienne Wilkinson.

I have a promo trailer coming out for a wonderful game published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 called SCREAMRIDE – so listen for that.  

My film BIG FAT STONE – a heist film just played Action on Film festival in Los Angeles  won many awards including  best film .  And another film I did NO DEPOSIT will be released next year as well as a pilot for a new sitcom called LA TRATTORIA with the amazing Doris Roberts. All these projects were so rewarding to work on with the very talented Frank D’Angelo at the helm.

I hope to continue my work with Make A Wish in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

And look for the best chocolate éclairs everywhere I go!

Once again I would like to say a big thank you to Ellen for being so generous in her time. I'm sure you'll agree that not only is she a fine actress and all-round good egg but she has a rather fine line in humour.

So go and give her Facebook fan page a like at   www.facebook.com/EllenDubinActor?fref=ts

Ellen can be followed on that Twitter thingy via @EllenDubinActor 

You can access Ellen's website at www.ellendubin.com 

Her IMDB page can be found at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0239294/?ref_=nv_sr_1

The website for the Nobility series can be located HERE

The website for Starfall can be found RIGHT HERE

Starfall TV series & interview with actor, Bill Oberst Jr.

Some crazy fool asked me the other day if I liked Star Trek. I know, I know. Now before you go asking just what kind of batshit crazy question that was, I must add that the person who asked it doesn't know me overly well. In fact they probably have little clue that I spend many of waking hours forcing my own particular brand of self-indulgent ramblings here on this blog to the world and that the words 'Star' and 'Trek' have been known to appear on occasion. Well I suppose that ignorance is bliss., some of you would undoubtedly say that the person in question is lucky to be oblivious to my musings. You may well be correct. After I had stopped smiling for a moment at his question, I tried to regain my usual professional and friendly composure. "Of course I love Star Trek" I replied. That final sentence was my one main mistake.

For I had made a mistake of gargantuan rookie proportions, I had fallen into his cunning trap - not only was he a Trekkie/Trekker, he was a hardcore Trekkie/Trekker. The thing is, I do love Star Trek - I grew up with the original series, adored the film spin-offs (I know I'm not being original, but The Wrath of Khan is sheer perfection) and also loved TNG, DS9 and Voyager. Alas Enterprise was complete pants, sorry, but it was. However, like some of the people around the  Star Trek, and indeed the Star Wars universe, some of the fans scare me - big time. There is absolutely nothing in wrong adoring whatever aspect of ones nerdy and geeky world you choose, but there is a fine line in here. In other words, we all have an opinion so stop taking your viewpoint so damn seriously - it's not a competition to be the best fan, you know!

So the look of disdain and derision on the face of my questioner was plain to see when I mentioned that I didn't actually have a preference for my particular favourite phaser, or even possess an in-depth knowledge of the operational specs of the Enterprise. 

Great Red Fist of the Ardi Jennet 

Don't get me wrong, I am in no way mocking ones obsessions, it's just that occasionally, some things seem to bring out the worst aspects of fan dome in many of us. This is particularly so when it comes to science fiction TV it seems.

So when I began to hear some months ago that a proposd new and fresh Sci-Fi series, Starfall, was in production, I was caught in something of a quandary. On the one hand, it was about time that a vibrant new show hit the scene, which is a genuinely exciting thing. On the other hand however, my hardcore obsessive friend had also heard of the series too and was already something of an expert. Oh well.

What actually sealed the deal in terms of my interest for the series was that one of the principle characters in the show features an old friend of The fifth Dimension. The good friend in question is a certain icon of contemporary horror, Bill Oberst Jr. I was lucky enough to chat with Bill earlier this year at the time of the release of Werewolf Rising on DVD, in which, well quite frankly, he stole the show in his role of a very very bad man with certain Wolf-like tendencies. If you want to read that piece, well you could do no wrong in visiting http://stuart66.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/werewolf-rising-dvd-release-interview.html. When I found out that Bill would be appearing in the new Sci-fi show I thought it only right and proper that I pester and stalk him until he finally relented and talked to me again. 

But before I divulge to you another in the fab (some, well me, would say classic) series of Fifth Dimension interviews, let me pass on to you good people some information from the people behind the legend that could become Starfall.

The Ardri Jennet - sorry hardcore fans, I don't have the ship's specs....

" The 150 years since the galaxy first knocked on Humanity's door was marked by a Solar System-wide civil war and nearly a century of human enslavement. Then came “emancipation,” heralding in a new era where human beings would be accepted as equal members of the galactic community.

It hasn't quite worked out that way.

Aboard the frigate Ardri Jennet, Lieutenant-Captain Will Hunter and his flawed, secretive crew—working for the same people who once promised, but failed to protect Humanity—now struggle against prejudice and bigotry in a galaxy that views humans as backward and barbaric. Certainly not equal.

And a new threat will rise, one that challenges ethics, skews allegiances, overturns priorities. Hunter and his Jennies will battle external foes and intimate betrayals in their determination to do the right thing in a galaxy gone morally grey. And suddenly lethal.

This is STARFALL."

Blimey, sounds good, eh?

The Kickstarter campaign, to gain extra funds for the post-production of the already completed pilot and the airing of the series in 2015, has recently ended. Work is now well under way to bring this new series to the public. I for one cannot wait.

THE INTERVIEW BIT WITH BILL OBERST Jr.

For this who don't know much about Bill (shame on you) - here is a little taster 'borrowed' from his Wikepedia page. 

"Known for his work in horror and cult films, his career includes projects in film, television and one-man-show theater performances.^[2] He first received recognition for his portrayals of icon and humorist Lewis Grizzard as performed in theatrical tours across the Southern United States.^[3] 

His role as the creepy 'Facebook Stalker' in the online interactive video film Take This Lollipop, which uses the Facebook Connect application to bring viewers themselves into the film through use of their own pictures and messages from Facebook,^[4][5][6] brought him widespread attention after the project received multiple Webby Awards nominations,^[7] three awards at SXSW,^[8] and a 2012 Daytime Emmy award".

For a more detailed biography of Bill's career, visit his IMDB page at     http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2454994/

Q) First of all, Bill, many thanks for talking to The Fifth Dimension again. What have you been up to since we last spoke at the DVD release of Werewolf Rising?

A) Stuart, thank you for the chance to connect with you and Fifth Dimension readers again! Since we last spoke I've been working; did 10 feature films this year and guested on CBS's CRIMINAL MINDS. I am driven to work, a gift from my retail dad, I think. He had a store that we kids all worked in and his motto was "If you got time to lean, you got time to clean." So we learned to keep busy. To this day I have respect for work and loathing for laziness. 

Q) You're well known as a stalwart of the contemporary horror genre, so what attracted you to a Sci-Fi project?

A) I'm a huge sci-fi buff - I just never get to do it! The Trekkie in me did back flips when John Ellis and Tyler Bourns invited me on board for STARFALL. I am attracted to the thought that humanity will make it out into space one day (or, for that matter, that humanity will make it at all.)  

Bill, suitably rocking the space uniform.

Q) Tell us a little of your role in Starfall & how it fits into the overall plot.

A) I play Hanso Baash, Chief Engineer of the ship Ardri Jennet. STARFALL is set in a universe dominated by aliens who consider humans barbaric; a species fit only for slavery. Hanso is also non-human but his race is entirely dominated by the females of his species. For a male to do anything besides take care of the family nest is viewed with suspicion. Hanso's native culture is like America in the 1950's but with the gender roles reversed. So even though he is a whiz of an engineer, he has an inferiority complex and no self-confidence. 

Q) In my opinion, we've been crying out for a genuinely strong character driven science fiction show. Will this be it?

A) Stuart, if the show gets picked up and funded; if STARFALL is given a chance; I believe the answer is yes. If I didn't believe that I wouldn't be there. Like any actor, I do a lot of work just to pay the bills, but when it comes to sci-fi, I want to be a part of something superior; something that excels.

Q) Have there been any specific challenges for you so far peculiar to this role?

A) Yes. Because Hanso's culture is female-dominated and because he has chosen to leave that culture for a chance at a career, he is very much alone. That, plus his built-in low self-esteem, make playing him a balancing act. He has to be both competent and unsure; good at his job but bad at believing in himself.

Hero poses r us.

Q) I think it's fair to say that Sci-Fi fans can sometimes be a little 'passionate' when it comes to series such as this. Are you prepared for the possibility of that happening if the series really takes off?! :-)

A) Oh my Lord, yes! You are talking to a man who has stood in line at conventions waiting to meet my favorite actors; a man who knows dialogue from his favorite sci-fi movies and episodes by heart; a man who, when he met the art department head of WRATH OF KHAN, held the poor man hostage asking about sets, props and whether that was Ricardo Montalbán's real chest (it was.) I understand the passion. That's the fun of it! 

Q) When can we expect to see Starfall?

A) John Ellis and Tyler Bourns know the ins and outs of that. I hope in 2015. Actors don't know much of anything, you know, we just get the call when the time comes. 

I've seen this episode & he frightened the s**t out of me.....

Q) What career plans next for Bill Oberst Jr.?

A) I've got 5 feature films to shoot in 2015 so far. CBS recently named my CRIMINAL MINDS character one of the 14 Most Notorious Serial Killers in the show's 10-year history, so I am openly salivating for a chance to return to the show. My current feature film release is the the arthouse horror film COYOTEand my next feature release is the Civil War-era drama THE RETRIEVAL. Meanwhile I am touring with a one-man stage show of the Torah/Biblical book of Genesis and hoping to play Lon Chaney in a film project (I've heard from two writers working on screenplays with Chaney as a character since being presented the Lon Chaney Award in San Diego this fall.

Q) Finally, what are your plans for the New Year?

A) I'm a pretty boring and conservative guy, Stuart. I like to go to bed early on New Year's Eve and get up early for a good workout before dawn on New Year's Day. Then I am ready to roll. In a business with a 98% unemployment rate, I had better stay on my toes. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, in my couple of years as an intrepid, and dare I say it, magnificent blogger, I've had the pleasure to meet and talk to a whole heap of great of people, the vast majority of whom have been perfectly approachable. I really don't want to sound overly sycophantic, but Bill Oberst Jr. is up there as one of the nicest and most genuine of people you could ever wish to meet. Bugger, he's talented and decent, how bloody annoying! At least I'm halfway there myself ;-)

For a little taste of what is hopefully to come from Starfall, here is a nice teaser trailer.

As soon as I get my hands on any preview material for the upcoming series then I pass on the details to you good people. My sources (in others words, reading their Facebook page) tell me that, in order to make sure the post-production is well and truly nailed, the web series is being anticipated for a mid-2015 release.

The team behind Starfall is such:

J.E. Ellis, creator, executive producer
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1522126

Christiaan Champagne, co-executive producer
http://www.chrischampagne.com

Les Zigomanis, creative consultant
http://www.leszig.com

Tyler Bourns, director, executive producer
www.imdb.com/name/nm2690458

Scott Nakada, production designer

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2414026

Richard Hescox, concept artist
www.krop.com/hescox

Petter Wahlback, composer
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3144514

The Facebook page for Starfall can be found RIGHT HERE

The Twitter link for Starfall can be found by searching for @StarfallTV

The Indie Go-Go link is https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starfall