Well, it seems like the drama on the screen is as high-octane as the drama behind the scenes when it comes to the first black gay television series Noah’s Arc. Logo’s January 24th press release stated that Noah’s Arc will be the channel’s first theatrical film production in 2008. However, according to Jasmyne Cannick, “My guess, and it is just that, is that Logo canceled the show and offered the movie as a consolation prize. It makes sense to me that if you want to silence the criticism for canceling the show that you would wait until the last day possible to make the announcement without really making the announcement, if you know what I mean. Hey, who's going to be upset the series is canceled when there's the possibility of a movie in the works? Now back to the NPR interview that says point blank in plain English that Logo representatives confirmed a third season.” Cannick adds, “My guess again, is that someone over at Logo fucked up royally.” Rumors are swirling that some of the cast are upset about this supposed movie and the press release was only to pacify Noah’s Arc fans. Sounds like a scandal…to clear the air on behalf of CLIK Magazine I spoke with Steven Fisher in Logo Communications and Public Affairs.

CLIK: Word has it that Noah’s Arc is definitely canceled and the press release from Logo was just something to pacify the Noah’s Arc fan base—that there will be no film.
Steven Fisher: We actually made the decision, as you can see in the press release, we wanted to take the story and find the dimensions—I think you see all the quotes in there. The film format gives us more freedom and certainly more opportunities creatively. We want to take it to the next level as so many other televisions shows have done. Go to the movies and obviously the door is still open for additional sequels, TV seasons and specials.

CLIK: Some are saying the show is canceled and race is involved.
Steven Fisher: This network is built on a foundation of diversity. We’re so proud of the show that’s why we’re taking it to the movies, it takes it to the next level, it helps us find who the whole audience is. This is great news—if you saw in the press release Patrik is as excited as we are.

CLIK: So, Patrik will definitely be involved in the theatrical version and this is definitely going to happen in 2008?
Steven Fisher: Talks have begun right now, obviously you have to have all of those movie things, which are have talks and get deals—all those other things. The plan is to go into production now and have it in theatres at the beginning of 2008. That’s the plan—obviously you have to do all those other things. We’re in talks right now of finding a distribution partner, production, putting the production together, hiring talent and all that other good stuff.

CLIK: Noah’s Arc is the number one rated show on Logo, but your ratings aren’t really traditional and I’ve heard the DVD sales didn’t do too well. So, how is it documented that it’s the number one rated show?
Steven Fisher: We’ve never said it’s the number one rated show because we’re not a rated network yet. We do anecdotally from our viewers, we see it as our most popular series, certainly visits to our web sites, it’s one of the most popular destinations online so we do see it as our most popular show. You’re right, we’re not rated, so it’s harder to gage statistically in that way, but in terms of visits to our web sites it’s our most popular show.

CLIK: According to NPR Logo confirmed there would be a third season.
Steven Fisher: I think what the reporter said was that we confirmed it, which we didn’t. We said that the show would not be canceled. I think she reported there would be a third season, but we haven’t announced a third season yet. We’re doing a movie, there maybe a third season, there maybe sequels, as I explained to you before.

CLIK: Is the movie going to have the original cast, or it might be a new cast?
Steven Fisher: As I said, talks are underway now in terms of production—to get everybody on board so that is what we are working on right now.

CLIK: Idealistically, would you like to have the same cast?
Steven Fisher: Yeah, we want to get everybody on board. That is what we’re working on now. Talks are on the way and when we have announcements about that we will let people know soon as we have more information.

CLIK: Are you at all disappointed about the little bit of controversy surrounding this?
Steven Fisher: All I can tell you is we are really excited. Patrik is really excited; I think you saw his quote in the press release. We’re taking it to the next level and we’re thrilled. We’re making the movie specifically to excite our fan base. That’s really exciting, the same thing happened with Star Trek when they made the films for Star Trek fans. Certainly, Simpsons’ fans for years were asking for a movie—it’s coming out this summer and Sex and the City. So, I think people correctly see the evolution of a TV show into a film as an exciting step, a continuation of the story and one that they love.

Steven adds, “Everything I’ve heard from Patrik has been very positive and my understanding is that his blog has been very positive.”