The Great Space Coaster

[D'Snowth]

I know that, but what exactly does that have to do with residuals? Maybe I'm wrong, but aren't residuals money the actors/performers receive for everytime their show is aired in reruns? I'm not sure if they did that at the time, and on a kiddy show that went first-run syndication.

 

[minor muppetz]

I know that, but what exactly does that have to do with residuals? Maybe I'm wrong, but aren't residuals money the actors/performers receive for everytime their show is aired in reruns? I'm not sure if they did that at the time, and on a kiddy show that went first-run syndication.

I assumed that residuals are what the songwriters get when their songs are used, and I've read that the show had a lot of established songs (much like The Muppet Show did) and that it would cost a lot to clear for DVD releases.

It seems I often learn different things about residuals. I had no idea that performers on a first-run syndicated kiddie show wouldn't get residual payments (is it to keep performers wanting to act on this kind of stuff without relying on residuals?).

 

[D'Snowth]

Oh, no, those are royalties, but you're right, it's a fee that's paid to whoever owns the copyright of a song that's used on a show.

 

[minor muppetz]

Oh, no, those are royalties, but you're right, it's a fee that's paid to whoever owns the copyright of a song that's used on a show.

Oh, you know, recently I was wondering if there was a difference between royalties and residuals.

 

[D'Snowth]

Yeah, I believe residuals are what actors and performers are paid whenever a show they starred on is shown in reruns, whereas royalties are fees you have to pay copyright holders for use of their work on the show, especially when it's released on DVD and thus a commercial product.

For instance, I understand that Redd Foxx actually paid the Ink Spots royalties out of his own pocket just so Fred Sanford could sing, "If I Didn't Care for You" on SANFORD AND SON, because that's how big a fan he was of the Ink Spots (and the producers didn't want to pay the royalties).

 

[D'Snowth]

Actually, as it turns out, you were right, apparently residuals are another factor in what's preventing this show from being released on DVD... that, and there's even a problem with use of the theme song (like how Old School Vol. 3 omits SST's theme song). Compilation sets wouldn't do either, because apparently, to take parts of episodes for compilations is considered creating a "new" show, which means new contracts and negotiations would have to be drawn up.

Though, they're looking into having the show available for archive in libraries, which I guess means if your library carries DVDs (which mine actually DIDN'T until JUST NOW... dang, we're so behind the times), you might still be able to see it eventually.

 

[minor muppetz]

I was thinking, couldn't they start an official Great Space Coaster YouTube channel, with clips of the non-music segments (depending on whether they would need clearances to include the music numbers on YouTube)?

Another thing they could do is put episodes (at least the ones converted to digital files) on Netflix, since other shows with copyright issues preventing official DVD releases (like Batman and The Wonder Years) can be viewed from Netflix.

There was a video compilation of the show released back in the 1980s. I wonder if they could rerelease that on DVD.

 

[C to the J]

I'm well aware how long it's been since somebody posted on this thread. I wasn't quite fully aware of this TV show's existence until I came upon Saturday Morning Archive's post about TGSC. And the episode they posted about that Mercy for Music telethon pretty much got me interested. And the most memorable bit I've ever watched was Goriddle Gorilla's song "Bananas Over Bananas," although there are a couple of lyrics I can't quite make out.

I'm bananas over bananas, bananas have a lot of appeal.
I'm bananas over bananas, bananas make a very good meal.
This morning, I ate eight bananas. I ate eight more for lunch.
And when it comes around to dinnertime, I'll finish off the whole darn bunch!
???? little banana, fill you full of vigor and zeal.
You must never ? a banana, think how that banana would feel.
There is nothing like a banana, nothing so beguiling.
When you eat a banana sideways, people think you're smiling!
I'm bananas over bananas, bananas make me happy, you see.
And when I get rich and famous, I'll have my own ba-na-na TREEEEEEEEE!

I can imagine Hoots the Owl singing it as well.

The cast is quite interesting, and I'd sure like to watch more of the show, including Gary Gnu's segments.

Oh, and after watching at this one video from last year...

...it was enough to explain why online videos of TGSC are scarce and to make me want to help in any possible way.

 

[C to the J]

You know the lyrics for "Bananas Over Bananas" I couldn't make out? Well, I was able to understand this one part more clearly and I meant to post it.

Ask how can a little banana fill you full of vigor and zeal.
You must never pan a banana, think how that banana would feel.

By the way, TGSC has an official Facebook page if you want to follow it. I'm not exactly what you'd call a fan of Jimmy Fallon, but if you look up TGSC's Facebook video links, you'll find that the band on Jimmy's show recently played the theme song. Jimmy even expresses his interest in Gary Gnu's No Gnews program.

 

[D'Snowth]

Just the fact that the word "antidisestablishmentarianism" is just randomly brought up in this episode makes me think this is one incredibly bizarre coincidence, considering that was something of a running gag in @Oscarfan's old Fenwick & Bob Blob videos.

But, in all seriousness, Crystal Martin has been posting official TGSC clips on YouTube every day this month: mostly Gary Gnu clips, but also occasionally full episodes on weekends as well, such as today.