WilliamShatner.com :: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

Groom Lake, The Inspiration
Posted by: Admin on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 03:32 PM

	What inspired me to make the sci-fi love story Groom Lake and the true love that carried me through production.
Groom Lake is a project very close to my heart. It speaks on subjects like life and death and what the hereafter will be like. The story is couched in science fiction terms, but the ideas are based on my real feelings and thoughts. After the script came about, I cast my energy towards the very real life effort of trying to get the film made. I felt that if I made a science fiction story it would be easier to sell it and get money to make the movie. Indeed, that is exactly what happened. Because the science fiction genre appealed to investors, I was able to raise enough money to actually make the movie. So, with a low budget and high ambition, I set out for Arizona dry lands to make the film. The project became a family affair. My wife, Elizabeth, took over large parts of the production as a result of the default of other people. The stress of the schedule and confinement in the hotels could have broken our relationship, but we got closer and closer as a result of the challenges. In addition, the subject matter was something that we both had in common. The story deals with a young woman who discovers she is going to die and wishes to affirm there might be existence after death so that she and her great love will continue on into the hereafter. Since Elizabeth and I had both suffered the loss of our spouses, this was a subject matter that we both could understand. As a result, our relationship became stronger than ever. After the filming, we continued into post- production and onto the very necessary step of selling the movie to the public. So now that?s what we?re doing ? telling the public that there is a lovely and poignant love story here. I hope you get a chance to see it and enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.

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Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by Kenny on Jan 21, 2003 - 04:31 PM
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I HAVE NOT YET SEEN THE MOVIE GROOM LAKE, BUT WILL BUY IT SOON. I AM JUST GETTING MY SELF BACK UP FROM GOING TO TWO FUNERALS AT THE FIRST OF THE NEW YEAR. MY COUSIN OF 63 DIED OF A MASSIVE HEART ATTACK. SHE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND SHE WAS ONLY A COUPLE BLOCKS FROM HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT AFTER LIFE, AND I KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING THERE. BELIEVE THAT WHEN WE PASSON ,E GO THROUGH A DOOR AND WE COME TO WHERE WE WERE BORN, ON THIS EARTH. I HAVE A LOVE AND THINK MAYBE SHE MIGHT BE MY SOUL-MATE! SHE IS A FRIEND AND WE HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR OVER 20 YEARS. SHE HAD HER MARRIAGES AND I HAD MINE!WE ALWAYS HAD PICKED UP THE PHONE AND WAS THINKING OF SEEING WHAT EACH WAS DOING AND I WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR HER WHEN SHE HAD HER BREAKS FROM HER HUSBANDS OR BOYFRIENDS. WHEN WE ARE TOGETHER, WE ARE LIKE TWO WHO BELONGS AND TOLD HER SHE WANT STAY AROUND ME LONGER ,BECAUSE SHE MIGHT BECOME MORE THAN A FRIEND TO ME!WISH ONE DAY WILL WRITE ABOUT HOW IF WE CANNOT BE TOGETHER ON THIS PLANE,AND ONLY BECAUSE SHE HAS SOMETHING, OR I DO WITH SOMETHING TO ACCOMPLESH IN THS TIME. THEN AS WE BOTH GO THROUGH THAT DOOR, WE WOULD BE UNITED AGAIN!I BELIEVE IN OTHER LIFEFORMS, AND I BELIEVE THAT THEY COME FROM A DISTANT PLANET AND THAT THEY ARE HERE AND WE DO NOT SEE THE ,BECAUSE THEY ARE IN ANOTHER TIME, THATS WHY SOME SEE THEM AT CERTAIN AREAS THEN THEY VANISH. I LOST MY BROTHER IN 66, HE DROWNED N BERMUDA, AND HAD IN BACK OF MY MIND THAT HE GOT HIMSELF INTO THE TRIANGLE AND VANISHED, BECAUSE THEY NEVER FOUND HIS BODY!MAYBE OUR SOULS BECOMES THE MEMBERS OF THE UFO'S. OUR BODYS ALWAYS ENDS UP IN THE EARTH AGAIN AND WE BECOME OF IT. YES I BELIEVE IN THE AFTERLIFE AND WE ARE NOT ALONE OVER THERE. HAD A STORY ABOUT RIDING THE WIND THAT I WILL WITE DOWN ONE DAY. HAVE SENT A STORY TO JANE AWHILE BACK, SO AM TEACHING MYSELF HOW TO WRITE. IT GOOD THEROPY, SINCE I AM A DIABLED VETERAN. KENNY

Spplat attack by GiB on Jan 29, 2003 - 04:19 AM

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by Matthius on Jan 21, 2003 - 04:32 PM
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Bill,

I am sure looking foreward to seeing Groom Lake. I am sure that anything you make, produce, or star in is well worth watching. I got nothing but love for ya bill, keep up the good work, but just don't work to hard. Go ride your horses get back and those country roads in Kentucky and be a good ol' boy for a couple of weeks it will do you some good.

Matt.

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by Star_Base_CGI on Jan 21, 2003 - 04:35 PM
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The Truth is out there. ^

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by dstairs on Jan 21, 2003 - 06:07 PM
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Got my email and immediately ordered the DVD, will be sure to reply back with a review as soon as I watch it a few 100 times.

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by DOC on Jan 21, 2003 - 06:38 PM
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Hello Bill:

Keep pumping out your inspirations to the big screen, were (Fans) here behind you. Looking forward to seeing it.

Best Wishes,
~Doc

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by String557 on Jan 22, 2003 - 01:03 AM
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I'm going to buy it as soon as it comes up to Canada. I know a few other people who are doing likewise. Bravo Bill!

Paintball

(Score: 1)
by treker06 on Jan 22, 2003 - 03:04 AM
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Hi there ,
When you play paintball do you give yourself nic-names or do you just go by "Bill"
If you do have nic-names what is yours??

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by JKitty on Jan 23, 2003 - 05:34 AM
(User information http://www.invisibleplanets.com)

Hi, Bill -

What a lovely story to share with us. It's really wonderful to hear of a couple sharing a challenge and finding it deepened their relationship, rather than another sad incident of relationships faltering the minute the sailing isn't so smooth.

I look forward to seeing "Groom Lake" and send my wishes for your continued happiness to you and Elizabeth.

Jungle Kitty

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by robynstar on Jan 24, 2003 - 02:49 PM
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Dear Bill, Thanks for the story on how Groom Lake came about. The story sounds wonderful, and I know it will be you giving of your innermost thoughts and love. You are such a special person in all you do.
I'm so glad that Elizabeth joined you in this venture, even though it was a hard road, but your strengths came through it all.
All the Luck with the movie. Your Aussie Fan
Robyn

"Life the Final Frontier"

(Score: 1)
by Aaron.Wallace on Jan 25, 2003 - 03:09 PM
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Hello Bill

Its my first time on the website! Just saying "hello" to you and your family, you have been through so much yet you have unfaultered in your appriciation to your fans and your work.

I've been a trekkie since I was five, me and my cousin 'BORROWED' a copy of 'The Wrath of Khan' . That got me hooked and then there was T.J Hooker. Later in life I have been a great fan of your writing and have several Tek War books.

Your series of Star Trek books following the exploits of Jim Kirk through to the 24th century. My newest purchase is Star Trek 'I'm working on that', although I am only half way through it at the moment I just wanted to say it's fantastic!

I enjoyed the bit where yourself and Chip went to Silicon Valley, and exposed the problem of Sat-Nav. I think you have a extraordiary talent of writing. It's amazing how you encapsulate what we (the audience) are thinking!!

Im glad you enjoyed your trip to London and I think your fans enjoyed it too (Understatment I know)! I also enjoyed you apperance on the Graham Norton Show (Long ago I know) and your little adventure with the recliening aircraft chairs.

Anyway if you have read this far 'Thankyou' all whats left for me is to wish you and your family my best wishes and all the best for 2003.

So "Shield's up and phasers on 'FUN'.

Beam me up

Aaron

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by RickNShae on Jan 27, 2003 - 06:52 PM
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Thanks for your e-mails concerning your ongoing interests and projects. I've been a fan of Mr. Shatner's since The Outer Limits (it always came on just before Star Trek: TOS here in Louisville back in the late sixties on Sunday morning). Wishing you well and we're hopeful for a Kentucky Derby visit in 2003! Rick

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by Claudia on Jan 28, 2003 - 12:02 AM
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I haven't seen Groom Lake yet, but I hope I see it soon.
I too believe that there must be something after we die: the human mind just can't disappear , something must remain from all that energy, creativity. The essence of the person, the soul as we wonder if it is at all and what it is, all that makes us what we are, the depth of our psyche and so on....Surely some must remain after life.
I just cannot follow the theory of the absurd, the nihilism of the middle of the 20th century.
Science Fiction gives us a mean to ask questions. It is popular at the moment: it doesn' t impose a truth, just tells us stories.
What we want to believe is up to us.
Claudia.

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by anomalies on Jan 28, 2003 - 05:59 AM
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As a student of metaphysics I can appreciate the subject matter of Groom Lake. We do live on when we die, according to my studies.

Bill and Liz - I am quite sure your loved ones have entered a higher plane with no pain and where they can continue to learn and grow as individuals.

Best of luck to you on your movie.

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by treker06 on Jan 29, 2003 - 02:53 AM
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I'm sure it's a very good movie and I cant wait to see it.

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by tjhooker on Jan 30, 2003 - 12:48 PM
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I haven't seen Groom Lake yet but as soon as it comes out in Britain (if it comes out in Britain) I will be buying it straight away as I'm sure it will be interesting. I am also intrigued by the different ideas you come out with.

Re: Wal-Mart

(Score: 1)
by tiberius_fan on Feb 04, 2003 - 05:07 AM
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Bill, tomorrow I am going to bring a copy of your newsletter detailing your shopping experience to my local Wal-Mart and ask for a discount.
Is that Ok?

Re: Groom Lake, The Inspiration

(Score: 1)
by NinaAthy on Apr 15, 2003 - 07:56 PM
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Hi Bill!

I love your story development for Groom Lake....I'm going to have to wait til it gets to the TV mode so I can use closed captioned imaging because I'm deaf.....

I lost my Dad, older brother, and two dogs within three years and the hurt was unimaginable.....but I know they are in a better place....I have faith in the hereafter....it's just another form we take after we leave our corporeal host bodies.....so that helped me sustain myself.......I have difficulty believing you die and that's that.....there's too many stories...spooky and otherwise.....for so many years..... to affirm this belief in the hereafter....anyways, I look forward to your love story as only my beloved Capt. Kirk could envision.......Love, Nina