Thinking of selling my entire 1980 Astro collection

[jayrath]

I was Skunk in the series, as many of you know. I have every script, including the two-episode pilot. My own scripts show my pencilled markings for pitch rises, hesitation, etc. -- all my acting notes, scene by scene for every show. I also have a few scripts from others in the cast, with whatever notations they also made. I also have the sheet music and lyrics for the opening and closing credits, and a page signed by every cast member.

Ideally, I'd like the collection to stay intact at a broadcast museum somewhere. I am the only cast member to have saved all production materials. I can even include my paystubs!

I don't want to break board rules by selling things here. I'm just asking for opinion. Should I keep it all together or break it up? And what do you think fans might be willing to pay for individual scripts and other matierials vs. the whole thing?

If there's a broadcast museum in your country, please PM me so that we can work together and give this collection a good home.

[AprilSeven]

Ohhh wow, this would be SO PRICELESS to donate to a museum so we could all share it!

Because your work was for the American dub it would be wonderful if a museum in the US could keep your collection together for all time. It would really be a shame if some individual purchased these things and then they all disappeared into a private collection.

What came to mind was what used to be called the museum on TV and Radio in New York City (also the original "American" Astro Boy's home). It's called the Paley Center now:

http://www.paleycenter.org/

Next I'd contact Frederik Schodt - the translator and author who knew Tezuka, translated manga and wrote "The Astro Boy Essays." He might be just the person to consult about options for how to best preserve your collection. His website:

http://www.jai2.com/

I also wonder if you might consider reproducing some or all of the components of the collection and making the copies available for purchase (either on your own, through an outfit like The Right Stuf, or through a museum). Obviously, if the materials are in a museum, the public won't be allowed to handle the originals, or they'd be destroyed in no time. So beyond preserving everything for history, it would be phenomenal to be able to read through the scripts. OMG - I've become a total 1980's Astro maniac since I purchased the (NOW OUT OF PRINT) boxed set for Christmas - and I would LOVE to be able to read the scripts along with watching the episodes!!

I personally think you could make money from being a part of a 1980's collection if/when it's reissued (and I imagine it would be). I'm excited to think we all might be able to share in your experiences - and think you should certainly be compensated for your care and foresight in putting this collection together!

Please keep us posted as to what you plan to do, and best of luck to you!

[Satus]

I think this is a very valuable collection that should be kept together and preserved. It would be sad to see even more things lost forever (such as a few 60's episodes already missing). A museum is the best choice. AprilSeven's suggestions seem good.

Maybe you could also consider giving it to the Osamu Tezuka museum in Japan?

[Unhurdof]

Hi Jayrath,
Ms. AprilSeven took the words out of my mouth, especially the phrases "American Musem" and "Fred Scodt." +1 to everything she said. Thanks for your work on the show, and good luck with your endeavors!
Cheers!

[jeffbert]

I know only what I read about anime conventions, but it may be profitable to put some of those things in a display in one of those.

[Alittleacorn]

Can I have the collection? I'll take good care of it...*hides ebay link*

But to be serious, I would take April's suggestions on the guy who wrote the Astro Boy Essay's and the Paley Center since they would be your best bet. That or you could try contacting Tezuka Productions directly and asking if they want them. Don't they have a museum over in Japan?

[AprilSeven]

The reason I didn't suggest the Tezuka Museum is because they are NOT very generous about "sharing" with the rest of the world (so far, at least), and Jay's work was for American/English-speaking audiences.

We have SO LITTLE Astro Boy memorabilia available to share, it would be nice to have some way to benefit from his effort to save the experience.

[jayrath]

I was hoping the Australian fans would have a museum in their own country; I know the series is hugely popular there.

[DrFrag]

The only thing suitable in Australia would be displays at anime conventions. Original scripts are a rare sight. It would still need to be owned by a private collector.

AprilSeven is right about the Tezuka Museum. They probably wouldn't even display it since most of their visitors are Japanese.

No idea what the collection would be worth. If you decide to break it up, make a scan/copy first or it will be lost to history.

I would be in favour of scanning it and releasing it over bittorrent, but this may decrease its financial value to a collector.

Would the University of Mitchigan (or wherever the voice acting was recorded) be interested in it? Possibly via their anime club?

I also wonder if you might consider reproducing some or all of the components of the collection and making the copies available for purchase (either on your own, through an outfit like The Right Stuf, or through a museum).

I like this idea. Small-run self publishing is cheap and easy these days. Some TV shows publish books of selected scripts (Red Dwarf comes to mind). How much better would it be to have one with original hand-written notes?

[jayrath]

These are all excellent suggestions. Thank you!