Robot Memories, Act II
by
MIKE CLARK
(Contributing Writer) SEQUEL TO "ROBOT MEMORIES" IN PRODUCTION A follow up video to the popular "Robot Memories" starring Bob May is now in production. Bob May and producer Mike Clark are re-teaming after almost a decade to create "Robot Memories - - Act II." "I'm very excited to be part of this new video," says Bob May. "It's almost a travel documentary, because you'll see me with Lost In Space fans and their home-built Robots at conventions in the United States and Australia. And, for the first time, we're going to interview the Robot's designer, Bob Kinoshita. My buddy Dick Tufeld will also be on the video as we tour Australia. It's going to be a lot of fun." 
"The original video was all about Bob and how he became the Robot," says Mike Clark. "In the new video, we'll address what has happened with Bob since we shot the first one, and how he has enjoyed the renewed popularity of Lost In Space. Bob and the other cast members have become regulars on the convention circuit, so we'll visit with him as he participates in events and talks to the fans. Of particular interest to fans is the 1998 Lost In Space convention in Hollywood, and the Fright Vision 2000 convention in Akron, Ohio." In "Robot Memories," fans got the chance to see Bob actually getting into the Robot costume during the first season of Lost In Space. Will there be any more home movies in the sequel? "The home movies were the most popular and unique part of "Robot Memories," says Bob. "In our new video, you'll see some exclusive, behind-the-scenes video shot during the making of The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen and Lost In Space Forever. You'll see that, even after 30 years, it's still hard to get in and out of the costume." Bob May and co-producer Mike Clark spent three days in Akron, Ohio, recently, video taping members of the B9 Robot Builder's Club as they displayed seven complete Robots during the Fright Vision 2000 convention. "These guys do sensational work," said Bob May as he presided over the "Best Robot" contest. Indeed, Bob had to carefully inspect the Robots twice to decide on a winner. The contest, plus interviews with the builders, will be part of Robot Memories, Part II. "Then, we traveled back to Los Angeles to another convention," recalls Mike Clark. "We shot parts of the original Robot Memories tape at the L.A. Science Fiction Convention in 1990, and we came back to use the convention as our "background" for several interview segments." 
Interviewed for the first time on video tape is the Robot's designer, the legendary Robert (Bob) Kinoshita. The energetic art director, a spry 86 years old, recalled how he was hired on to Lost In Space and how he came to create the character that Bob May ended up portraying. Of special interest to Robot fans are original photos Bob K. brought showing a "classic" Robot crew from the original series, Johnny Borgese and Bill Myiatt. The former Fox technicians help fabricate the Robot, and then maintained him during the series. Borgese even brought some never-before-seen stills shot behind the scenes of Lost In Space. You'll find out who was the ONLY other person besides Bob May to be inside the Robot costume. 
Joining the original Robot crew is Bob's "new" crew, Ron Hamill and Steve Buscaino, who wrangled the Robot for the three Lost In Space TV specials, plus numerous guest appearances and promos on other shows. And if that wasn't enough, Bob also interviewed the fabulous lady he calls "My lovely wife." Judy May recalls Bob's working on the original series, and the many conventions and places they've been ever since. 
A high point of the day (among many) was a surprise appearance by Bob's son Marty. Bob didn't recognize his son at first...because Marty entered wearing a Robot Halloween costume. It was a stunning surprise for Bob, and his reaction was priceless. More production is scheduled in the coming weeks. Additional interviews, Bob's intros, a gallery of toys, and more. For the latest information, log on to www.Robot-B9.com. Robot Memories Act II...coming this summer to home video! | 
